Toronto skyline view from the islands

Things to Do in Toronto

Free–$732 per activity

Worried about wasting money in pricey Toronto? The city’s best experiences are often free—wandering Graffiti Alley or Kensington Market cost nothing and deliver more character than a $60 bus tour. Spend smart on one or two curated small-group tours, like a waterfront bike ride or food walk, and avoid the underwhelming CN Tower package. This guide cuts the bloat.

June: Toronto Jazz Festival and outdoor movies · Crowds: High

Mubboo Verdict: Toronto rewards walkers and cyclists who skip the packaged tourist traps. Avoid the pricey hop-on-hop-off bus and instead dive into neighborhoods like Kensington Market or the Distillery District for a richer, cheaper experience.

How M decides what’s worth it

M’s rule in Toronto: free first, because the city’s neighborhoods and public spaces outshine many $50 tours. Spend money only where local expertise or access matters—a food tour, a bike trip to the islands, or a street art walk. For 1 day, stick to free foot exploration. With 2 days, add 1 paid activity under $50. For 3+ days, consider a day trip to Niagara (but skip the overpriced bus tours). Budget $0–$150 for a fulfilling 48 hours.

Free First

Free things to do in Toronto

Start here. These cost nothing and are genuinely worth your time — no booking required.

Graffiti Alley

📍 Where
Rush Lane, south of Queen Street West
🕑 Best time
Weekday mornings for fewer crowds

Mubboo’s tip: The murals change regularly, so even repeat visitors see new art.

Kensington Market

📍 Where
Bordered by Spadina, Bathurst, Dundas, and College
🕑 Best time
Sundays for peak energy and street performers

Mubboo’s tip: Grab a cheap empanada from a Latin bakery and explore vintage shops.

Nathan Phillips Square

📍 Where
100 Queen Street West, in front of City Hall
🕑 Best time
Winter for ice skating, summer for the Toronto Sign

Mubboo’s tip: The rainbow-lit Toronto Sign makes for a perfect photo backdrop at dusk.

Tommy Thompson Park

📍 Where
1 Leslie Street, on the Leslie Street Spit
🕑 Best time
Spring and fall for bird migrations

Mubboo’s tip: Bike or walk 5km to the end for skyline views, but pack water—no amenities.

Distillery District

📍 Where
55 Mill Street
🕑 Best time
Christmas market season (Nov–Dec) or summer evenings

Mubboo’s tip: The cobblestone streets are free; skip the overpriced souvenir shops inside.

What to skip & what to know in Toronto

Skip these

  • CN Tower EdgeWalk – a $225 thrill is fleeting, and the view is better for free from the Toronto Islands ferry deck.
  • Ripley’s Aquarium – overpriced and packed on weekends; the underwater tunnel is cool but not worth the line.
  • Big bus hop-on-hop-off tours – Toronto’s grid is walkable; for the same $60, take three taxis or a bike rental and see more.

Know before you go

  • The PATH underground walkway connects 30km of downtown shops and food courts—lifesaver in winter.
  • Toronto Islands are a cheap escape: the ferry is $8.70, and once there, beaches and trails are free.
  • Many museums offer free evening hours: AGO on Wednesdays 6–9pm, ROM third Tuesday of the month.

Where to spend your time in Toronto

Kensington Market

🚇 10 minutes by streetcar from Union Station

Vintage stores, global street food, pedestrian Sundays

Top pick: Self-guided taco crawl

Distillery District

🚇 15 minutes by bus from downtown

Cobblestone streets, art galleries, Christmas market

Top pick: Free evening stroll through lights and sculptures

Queen Street West

🚇 5 minutes from Osgoode Station

Graffiti Alley, designer boutiques, late-night music

Top pick: Mural spotting and coffee at Dark Horse Espresso

The Junction

🚇 25 minutes by TTC bus from Bloor West

Independent breweries, artisanal bakeries, indie theatre

Top pick: Food and beer crawl along Dundas West

Yorkville

🚇 10 minutes walk from Bloor-Yonge Station

Luxury shopping, upscale dining, the Village of Yorkville Park

Top pick: Window shopping and people-watching in Cumberland Street

Leslieville

🚇 20 minutes by streetcar from downtown

Cafés, antique shops, family-friendly parks

Top pick: Brunch at a local diner then browse Queen East antiques

Browse by category

Food & Drink80+ toursWalking Tours60+ toursBike Tours15+ toursDay Trips50+ toursArts & Culture40+ toursFamily-friendly30+ tours

When to visit Toronto, month by month

JuneThis monthHigh crowds

Toronto Jazz Festival and outdoor movies

JanuaryLow crowds

Ice skating at Nathan Phillips Square under twinkling lights

FebruaryMedium crowds

Toronto Light Festival in Distillery District

MarchLow crowds

Maple syrup tours at Sugar Beach or local farms

AprilMedium crowds

Cherry blossoms in High Park

MayHigh crowds

Doors Open Toronto—free access to 150+ buildings

JulyVery High crowds

Beaches and patio season, Caribbean Carnival

AugustVery High crowds

Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) opens mid-August

SeptemberHigh crowds

Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) – star spotting

OctoberMedium crowds

Fall foliage in ravines and pumpkin patches

NovemberLow crowds

Cavalcade of Lights at City Hall

DecemberHigh crowds

Distillery Christmas Market and holiday windows

Not sure where to start?

First-timer with 2 days

Walking tour of downtown then bike the islands—intimate and efficient at $11+$85.

Explore tours

Family with kids

Skip the aquarium; a private food market tour feeds everyone while entertaining.

Explore tours

Solo traveler on a budget

The $11 downtown walk plus free Graffiti Alley gives you a full day under $20.

Explore tours

Couple seeking food

St. Clair West food tour packs tacos, pastries, and castle views into a romantic afternoon.

Explore tours

What travelers are saying

“Kensington on a Sunday is chaotic but the best cheap eats in the city.”

r/torontoLocals swear by the market for budget-friendly global cuisine and vintage finds.

“I ditched the CN Tower and went to the Roof at the Park Hyatt—free view, great cocktails.”

r/solotravelSolo travelers trade overpriced attractions for rooftop bars and neighborhood walks.

“The islands ferry is $8.70 and you can bike or picnic all day—best value in the city.”

r/travelBudget travelers recommend the island escape over expensive harbor tours.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best free things to do in Toronto?

Graffiti Alley, Kensington Market, and the Distillery District cost nothing and offer authentic local flavor. Nathan Phillips Square’s sign is a great photo op, and Tommy Thompson Park gives you skyline views plus nature trails. Many museums have free evenings, too—check the AGO on Wednesdays.

How can I save money on Toronto attractions?

Use free museum evenings (AGO Wednesdays, ROM on third Tuesdays). Instead of a $60 hop-on bus, walk or use public transit ($3.35/ride). Book small-group tours online in advance for discounted rates. Skip expensive cocktails at touristy restaurants; hit a local brewery in the Junction.

Is Toronto a good family-friendly city?

Absolutely. Tommy Thompson Park and High Park offer free nature walks, while the Toronto Islands have calm beaches and picnic spots. Skip the pricey Ripley’s Aquarium—the Ontario Science Centre has more hands-on fun. The $11 downtown walking tour is also engaging for teens.

Can I see Niagara Falls as a day trip from Toronto?

Yes, but skip the large bus tours ($100+ per person). Rent a car or take the GO train to Burlington then connect to a local bus—total under $40. Or, for a splurge, a private customizable tour from Viator starts at $588 but gives you total flexibility.

What’s the best time to visit Toronto?

Late spring (May/June) and early fall (September/October) offer mild weather and festivals. July and August are hot and crowded, especially during the CNE. Winter is cold but festive, with the Christmas market and free skating.

How do I get from Toronto Pearson Airport to downtown?

The UP Express train runs every 15 minutes to Union Station and costs about $12.50. A private transfer starts at $46 and takes 1 hour door-to-door—ideal if you’re with family or have luggage. Avoid regular taxis during rush hour; they can be slower and pricier.

Are there good free options for families with kids?

Definitely. The Toronto Islands ($8.70 ferry, free beaches) are a hit. Riverdale Farm is a free, working farm in Cabbagetown. High Park has a zoo and adventure playground. Most neighborhoods have wading pools and splash pads open in summer.

Plan the rest of your Toronto trip

FlightsPearson Airport (YYZ) is the main hub; direct flights from most US cities. Budget airlines like Swoop and Flair often offer $150 roundtrips from New York or Chicago.HotelsStay downtown near Union Station for walkability, or in Queen West for a hipper vibe. Budget tip: look for Airbnb in Leslieville or the Junction for quieter, cheaper stays with easy transit access.City guideFor a complete city overview including transit passes, food recommendations, and nightlife spots, check our full Toronto City Guide.

Things to do in other cities

New YorkBig energy, bigger museums, and iconic skyline.Los AngelesBeaches, tacos, and Hollywood glitz.MiamiArt Deco, Cuban coffee, and turquoise water.Las VegasDesert spectacles and 24-hour entertainment.ChicagoDeep-dish pizza, lakefront trails, and architecture.San FranciscoGolden Gate Bridge, sourdough, and hilly charm.

Before you go

  • esimSkip roaming fees—grab a Canada eSIM (5GB/30 days) before you land for about $10.
  • insuranceTravel insurance with medical coverage for Canada is smart; a basic plan starts at $25.
  • transferPrivate airport transfer from Pearson to downtown Toronto starts at $46 and runs 1 hour.

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